Takahara produced two clinical strikes on 57 and 65 minutes to put Japan two goals to the good in Leverkusen and the Asian champions were unfortunate not to win the match.

Japan were just ten minutes away from becoming only the second team to beat Germany at home in the past two years but fell victim to two late strikes.

Takahara, who turns 27 on Sunday, has scored just 13 goals in 69 games for his German club SV Hamburg, but his brace against Germany took his international record to 17 in 41 appearances.

The forward says that is mainly down to their Brazilian manager Zico who has helped him and the other players.

"We have learnt a lot in four years under Zico and he has really helped to bring us along," Takahara explained. "We are better than in 2002."

Co-hosts Japan reached the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup under Frenchman Philippe Troussier.

Japan open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Kaiserslautern on June 12 and Takahara admits a winning start is crucial.

"The opening game against Australia is very important. We need to win that match."

Japan face Croatia and holders Brazil in their other Group F matches.